The South High brawl, school spending and teacher testing: Education leads the cycle

To day on the MPR News Update: Somali students say they don't feel safe at South High School in Minneapolis, legislators are getting their first look at the governor's proposed public school funding bill, educators are asking the Legislature to reconsider last year's law on teacher testing, and more.

SOMALI STUDENTS FEAR FOR SAFETY: Some Somali students say not enough is being done to ease racial tension at South High School in Minneapolis, which just last week was the site of a brawl involving hundreds of students. Minneapolis school district officials are still investigating the incident, which sent three students and a staff member to the hospital with minor injuries. District officials are also looking into the actions of school staff and police officers as part of the investigation.

DRUGS AND FISH: Traces of chemicals in Minnesota lakes might be having a big effect on some fish populations. Monitoring of lakes and rivers across the state found traces of pharmaceuticals and estrogen in the water, and two new studies by Minnesota researchers show those chemicals can reduce fish survival.

FRACK SAND: The dispute over frac sand mining shifted from cities and towns in southeastern Minnesota to the hallways of the State Capitol Tuesday. Opponents of the new mining process packed a legislative hearing to urge Gov. Mark Dayton and state lawmakers to regulate the sand mining industry. But industry officials say such regulations will limit job growth and create unnecessary burdens on them.

GAMBLING: The rollout of electronic bingo has been delayed again. It could be March before the games are ready for approval. They are part of the financing package for a new Vikings stadium. E-pull tab revenues have been falling short, and backers say bingo could help. But, gambling control board director Tom Barrett says suppliers aren't yet meeting regulatory requirements. Suppliers say the state's approval process has delayed the start of the games.

ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS: If ever there was a day you needed a scorecard to follow the wrinkles of the Twin Cities two orchestral conflicts, Tuesday was that day. Early on came news that the American Federation of Musicians has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the Saint Paul Chamber Society, the formal name given to SPCO management.

SATISFIED MINNEAPOLITANS: And finally today, a survey shows Minneapolis residents are not as satisfied with their police, parks, schools and snow plowing as residents of some other cities. One area of concern: snow plowing. The survey, conducted in the fall, found that 80 percent of Minneapolis residents were satisfied with how the city cleared its streets, but that the measure fell below a national benchmark.